5 Skincare Steps to Care for Sun Damaged Skin

As summers get intense and our lifestyles go back to being active again, here’s how you can tackle sun damage and keep your skin safe and healthy.

Photo ageing caused by the destructive UVA/UVB sun rays is the biggest reason for premature skin ageing. Skin exposed to the sun for long durations frequently can start exhibiting signs of damage like sunburn, dark spots, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. The two proteins that keep skin firm, plump, and smooth—collagen and elastin—also break down because of exposure to harsh sun rays, which results in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The easiest way of avoiding sun damage is by using sun protection that is best suited to your skin type without fail and re-apply it at regular intervals as you go about your day. And here are a few skincare guidelines you too can follow just in case your skin has been accidentally compromised by the harmful solar radiation and needs to bounce back to its optimal health.

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Cleansing

Hydrating and antioxidant-rich facial cleansers can help your skin stay radiant and supple as they prevent dryness and curtail free radical damage. Like this Juicy Chemistry Tamanu, Kakadu Plum and Frankincense Face Wash, which is packed with antioxidants and phenols that help balance uneven skin tone. Cruelty-free and vegan, this soothing formula also decreases inflammation and helps replenish the lost lipids of skin with its essential fatty acids.

Exfoliating

As skin can be severely compromised post sun exposure, avoid harsh exfoliants completely for a while, especially till the redness or inflammation persists. Then opt for a gentle exfoliant, like this Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliant, a rice-based powder formula that activates upon contact with water. It releases papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes that polish skin to perfection. Plus, its white tea and liquorice extracts help brighten skin tone while its anti-inflammatory mix of colloidal oatmeal and allantoin helps soothe skin.

Protection

Prevention is always better than cure. Do not under any circumstances step out without an SPF of your choice. We suggest you try the Invisible Sunscreen SPF 40 by Sun Scoop. It is super lightweight, non-comedogenic, and also provides blue light protection. This gel formula moisturises skin, is suitable for all skin types, and can also double up as a make-up primer, offering a natural finish, sans any white cast post-application.

Immediate Care

If your skin has just been exposed to the harsh sun, applying an anti-inflammatory balm or gel can help provide immediate relief from redness and the burning or stinging sensation. Use a pure aloe vera gel, or a After Sun Balm with Aloe by Clinique for rescuing your distressed skin. This hydrating formula sinks effortlessly into the epidermis to provide instantly alleviation from dehydration and redness. Allergy-tested, it relaxes skin and leaves it feeling perfectly comfortable and smooth again.

Repair

Allow your skin to heal and rejuvenate itself at night, with the aid of a night recovery cream or serum. Get your hands on Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex by Estee Lauder, a serum that specialises in reversing all signs of skin ageing. It helps strengthen skin barrier, and its unique Chronolux Power Signal Technology reduces the damage caused by environmental aggressors during the day. It promises to keep skin hydrated for up to 72 hours with its hyaluronic acid, and boost collagen production for smoother skin, and a youthful radiance.